Final answer:
The President of Yemen was in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment following injuries sustained during the 2011 protests and has faced persistent political instability in Yemen. Yemen's democratic governance contrasts with regional norms, and its stability is crucial for regional security and shipping. The nature of his stay in Saudi Arabia post-treatment is uncertain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The President of Yemen found himself in Saudi Arabia due to the civil unrest and citizen protests that began in the spring of 2011. The turmoil, which was a part of the broader Arab Spring, saw the Yemeni people protest against political corruption, poor economic conditions, and high unemployment. During the conflict, after being seriously injured, the president was flown to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Upon his recovery, he returned to Yemen but resisted calls to resign, which prolonged the country's instability. Regional security is essential due to Yemen's geopolitical location. Stability in Yemen affects the security of regional waterways, which is vital for the passage of international shipping through the Gulf of Aden and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The territorial dispute between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, although recently resolved, points to the complex relationship between the two nations. Yemen's establishment of a democratically elected government contrasts with the absolute monarchies typical in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. It is imperative to note that while the president's stay in Saudi Arabia followed medical treatment, the question of whether he is under 'house arrest' cannot be confirmed without more recent information. Given Saudi Arabia's restrictive political environment, where public dissent is often supressed and human rights are a significant concern, it is difficult to ascertain the true nature of the Yemeni president's stay without current context.